Studio Closures
Ongoing coverage on Studio Closures.
Latest coverage
'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
Following shock BioWare closure, scope of EA job cuts becomes clear as layoffs hit Respawn, Maxis, Full Circle, EA Motive, and more
Electronic Arts has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 400 employees across multiple studios, including the closure of BioWare. Studios such as Maxis, Respawn Entertainment, EA Motive, Full Circle, and Ripple Effect are also impacted by these job cuts. The company cited a need for organizational efficiencies following its recent acquisition.
Bioware Shut Down by EA With 400 More Jobs Cut
Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare and cutting approximately 400 jobs as part of a cost-cutting measure, also canceling the next Mass Effect game. The company cited a need to align talent and investments for long-term growth, with the closure of BioWare potentially linked to recent financial pressures and past game performance.
What will happen to video games under Skydance?
The merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery will significantly impact the video game industry, potentially leading to layoffs, studio closures, and project cancellations. While studios like NetherRealm and Avalanche may be relatively safe due to successful IPs, Rocksteady faces uncertainty after the poor reception of Suicide Squad. The consolidation of major IPs under Skydance presents both creative opportunities and business challenges.
Ubisoft are making layoffs at Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced studio Ubisoft Singapore while closing Trials creators Redlynx, according to report
Ubisoft is reportedly planning to close its Finnish studio RedLynx, known for the Trials series, and lay off approximately 70 employees at Ubisoft Singapore, which worked on Assassin's Creed Black Flag and Skull and Bones. These actions are part of a wider studio review and follow previous staff cuts and ongoing strikes at other Ubisoft locations.
Ubisoft Cuts 70 Staff From Skull and Bones Dev, Shuts Down Trials Studio RedLynx
Ubisoft has undergone further staff reductions, with 70 employees laid off from the Skull and Bones development team. Additionally, the company has shut down RedLynx, the studio known for the Trials series, as part of ongoing restructuring.
Industry layoff watch: Supermassive, Ninja Theory, The Coalition, and a warning from Warhorse
Multiple game studios, including Supermassive Games, Ninja Theory, and The Coalition, have experienced significant layoffs and restructuring. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is also mentioned in the context of industry consolidation. Warhorse Studios co-founder Martin Klima warns that rising development costs may push studios to relocate to cheaper regions.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Microsoft's failure to find a home for Ninja Theory voids the one, very tenuous upside to Senua's SGF reveal
The article criticizes Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory's proposed closure, highlighting the failure to find a buyer after revealing the game Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. The author argues that Microsoft's actions demonstrate incompetence and callousness, turning a potential positive outcome from the game's reveal into a zero, and that the studio's closure reflects poorly on Xbox's business practices.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
"I'm still blown away by the amount of talent": Hellblade devs Ninja Theory face closure after Microsoft fail to reach a deal with buyers
Microsoft is proposing to close Ninja Theory after failing to find a buyer for the studio, which was put up for sale earlier this year as part of broader Xbox layoffs. While Undead Labs was successfully sold, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through, leading to this proposed closure. Former and current developers have expressed devastation and respect for the studio's talent, lamenting the potential loss of future projects.
Hellblade developer Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios face closure in Xbox cuts
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs across its Xbox studios, leading to the potential closure of Ninja Theory and uncertainty for Arkane Studios. These cuts are part of a larger 'reset' for Xbox, impacting nearly 300 jobs and casting doubt on the future of projects like Hellblade 3 and Marvel's Blade.
Xbox confirms layoffs of 268 across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios & more
Xbox has announced significant layoffs, impacting 268 positions across various first-party studios including Halo Studios and Xbox Game Studios. The company is also beginning consultations for the potential closure of Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade series. These changes are part of broader organizational restructuring that will see studios like Turn 10 and Playground Games merged.
Activision tar över Halo och Bethesda börjar bossa över Obsidian
Microsoft has announced a significant restructuring of its gaming division, including the closure of Ninja Theory and the merger of Playground Games with Turn 10 Studios. Activision will take over development of the Halo series, while Bethesda Softworks will oversee Obsidian Entertainment. This follows recent layoffs and studio departures within Xbox.
Xbox confirms 268 more layoffs, further studio closures, and Obsidian's shift to Bethesda as major restructuring continues
Xbox has confirmed 268 additional layoffs and further studio closures as part of its ongoing restructuring. This follows previous significant job cuts, with some studios facing proposed closure and others being reorganized under different leadership, including Bethesda overseeing Obsidian Entertainment.
Xbox continues 'reset' with Halo Studios layoffs and Undead Labs divestment
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 employees from various first-party studios including Halo Studios. This is part of a larger restructuring plan that has already seen divestments of studios like Undead Labs and Compulsion Games, and the proposed closure of Ninja Theory. Xbox is also consolidating internal studios and shifting development responsibilities, with Activision now set to develop the next Halo title.
All The Major Xbox Changes Microsoft Announced Today: Layoffs, Halo Goes To Activision, And Lots More
Microsoft announced significant restructuring within its Xbox division, including 268 layoffs affecting various first-party studios like Halo Studios. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while Bethesda expands to oversee Obsidian Entertainment. Several studios face potential closure or consolidation, such as Ninja Theory and the merging of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
Microsoft Signals Intention to Close Down Ninja Theory After Deals to Save the Hellblade Developer Fall Through
Microsoft has indicated plans to close Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade, after failed attempts to secure deals to save the studio. This news comes as a significant blow to the studio and its fans.
Microsoft hasn't marched Fable to the guillotine because it's 'vital to the DNA' of Xbox, says the…
Playground Games director Ralph Fulton stated that the upcoming Fable reboot has been protected from Microsoft's studio closures due to its vital importance to the Xbox brand's identity. He believes Fable is significant not only for Xbox but for gaming as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements.
EA’s New Owners May Be Considering An Even Bigger Gaming Empire
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has become the majority shareholder of Electronic Arts and is reportedly considering merging it with Savvy Games Group, another PIF-owned entity. This potential consolidation, which could also involve Moonton, Scopely, and SNK, aims to improve coordination among the PIF's gaming assets. However, the move faces regulatory scrutiny due to the vast number of major franchises that would fall under one umbrella, and employees fear significant cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and studio closures, may be implemented.
